The Diorama

This slow-burning novella ramps up to a deadly but predictable conclusion. Martin Taper is a loser working at a pet store, living out his fantasies via an intricately created diorama and models. There’s very little to indicate the story is fantastical at first, as Bendix (The Patchwork Girl) takes time to establish Martin’s bad relationship with his boss, whom he pictures as a bad guy in his fantasy plays. But with the addition of Dennis, a neighbor’s child, Martin’s fantasies turn real, as if the diorama can control what happens in Martin’s life. There’s a great transition for Martin at this point, but it’s undercut by the diorama’s sudden change from a tool for Martin’s cathartic release to a predictive or manipulative magical tool. A story that begins with strong psychological elements ends up more in the realm of a Twilight Zone–style twist ending, turning Martin’s inner journey into an enjoyable but familiar tale of manipulation. (BookLife)